The controversial legislation has been passed by Japan’s lower parliamentary house, and is expected to be voted quickly through the upper house, which is controlled by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Japan has moved closer to becoming a global gambling enclave with the passing of a long-awaited bill to legalise casinos.
The controversial legislation has been passed by Japan’s lower parliamentary house, and is expected to be voted quickly through the upper house, which is controlled by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The legislation is being monitored by gaming giants like Wynn, Sands, Melco Crown and Genting, who are expected to join a long queue for gaming licences should they become available.
Shinzo Abe, Japan’s prime minister, has been a strong supporter of casinos since coming to power four years ago, convinced that casinos can bolster the nation’s economy, attract billions in investment and support tourism after Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics.
Once passed by the upper house, the bill would pave the way for regulators to develop industry plans in relation to issues such as licensing operators before seeking final parliamentary approval.
Not everyone would welcome casinos, however. A newspaper poll revealed that 57% of respondents are opposed to the legislation.
Professor of Sociology at Otani University, Naoko Takiguchi, said she has spent many years opposing the government's moves to introduce casinos because of Japan's high rate of problem gamblers.
"The Health Ministry has announced that almost five per cent of adults have a gambling problem. That's a big number," she said.